Robert Peary

Robert Peary was an American explorer. He was born in Cresson, Pennsylvania, in 1856. He spent years trying to reach the North Pole. In 1909, he claimed he and his team reached the North Pole, though some people debated this.

Early Life

Peary grew up in Maine and loved the outdoors. He studied civil engineering in college. He joined the U.S. Navy and was sent to survey a canal route in Nicaragua. He became obsessed with reaching the North Pole.

Big Achievements

Peary made several attempts to reach the North Pole. On April 6, 1909, he said he finally made it. His team included Matthew Henson and four Inuit men. Some historians debate whether he actually reached the exact pole, but his expeditions advanced Arctic exploration.

Fun Facts

• Peary lost eight toes to frostbite during his Arctic expeditions.
• He learned survival techniques from the Inuit people.
• His rival Frederick Cook also claimed to have reached the North Pole first.

Did You Know?

Peary's claim to the North Pole has been debated for over 100 years. Modern experts have looked at his records and some believe he may have missed the pole by a few miles. Still, he got closer than almost anyone at that time.